Pacific Network, ComNet Given 60 days to Close US Operations

The FCC released an order revoking Pacific Networks’ and its subsidiary ComNet’s authority to offer domestic or international services in the U.S., approved by commissioners 4-0 at their March meeting (see 2203160031). The Wednesday order cites “the changed national security environment” for China since the companies were authorized to offer service. “We find that the Companies are U.S. subsidiaries of a Chinese state-owned entity, and therefore they are subject to exploitation, influence, and control by the Chinese government and are highly likely to be forced to comply with Chinese government requests without sufficient legal procedures subject to independent judicial oversight,” the order said. The companies have 60 days to shutter their U.S. operations.